Cheetahs v Rebels Super Rugby Preview

The Cheetahs could not have asked for a better team to face than the Rebels
on return from their most successful Super Rugby tour to date.

The Cheetahs have played the Rebels twice since the Melbourne franchise joined
Super rugby in 2011 and both matches have been won by the Cheetahs.

The Cheetahs have played the Rebels once at home and once away and when they
last played each other in Bloemfontein the Cheetahs won by 20 points.

The Bloemfontein based Cheetahs are currently enjoying some of the strongest
Super Rugby form since they joined the tournament in 2006.

On their recent tour they eat the Highlanders, Waratahs and Force. It was their
third "hat-trick" of wins in Super Rugby, repeating their three-on-the-trot
from 2006 and 2010.

In 2011 they went one better when they beat the Brumbies, Lions, Crusaders
and Rebels on consecutive weekends, but all those wins were in Bloemfontein.

The three wins Down Under lifted their team spirit and although they will not
underestimate the Rebels following their huge loss in Durban last week, Cheetahs
coach Naka Drotske said his team will be ready on Saturday.

"Our superb team spirit was probably the biggest factor in the three
wins on tour," said Drotske.

"It's always positive to win overseas, but now we are back and
we have to win our home games. In this competition, if you want to make the
playoffs, you have to win at home.

"The Sharks certainly did us no favours with their 60-point win last
weekend and I know the Rebels will want to bounce back. We just need to keep
our guys grounded and work hard at sticking to the basics instead of trying
to force "magical" things.

"We will not make the mistake of underestimating the Rebels."

Hawies Fourie, the Cheetahs' assistant coach, said: "The biggest
difference between this year and previous seasons, is the way in which we defend."

"The guys are sticking to the plan and although I think our attack can
still improve, it's important to keep up the good defence if we are going
to be successful.

"We've picked up a lot of confidence from the last three games,
and that came with defending well. We know we can beat any team at home and
if we can improve our attacking play, we will be a force to be reckoned with."

The Rebels were hammered last weekend by the Sharks and the camp has been distracted
by the Beale-Vuna saga which could either bring the team together or be a total
distraction. You never know which way with these incidents.

The Cheetahs have named the same team that beat the Western Force last weekend
for this week.

The Rebels on the other hand have been forced into changes and have named two
players to make their Super Rugby debut.